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Māui Dolphin

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description Māui Dolphin Overview

The Māui dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) is a critically endangered subspecies of Hector's dolphin found exclusively along the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. Recognizable by their distinctively rounded dorsal fins and black, white, and grey markings, they are among the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world. The population is heavily threatened by human activities, particularly entanglement in commercial fishing nets like gillnets and trawls. Conservation efforts are strictly focused on protecting their limited nearshore habitat.

help Māui Dolphin FAQ

Where does the Māui dolphin live?

Māui dolphins are found off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island, mainly in shallow coastal waters. They are a subspecies of Hector's dolphin and occur nowhere else.

How can a Māui dolphin be distinguished from other dolphins?

It is a small dolphin with a rounded black dorsal fin that is often compared to a Mickey Mouse ear. The body has distinctive black, white and gray markings rather than the long beak seen in many dolphin species.

What is the main human threat to Māui dolphins?

Entanglement in set nets and trawl fishing gear has been a major conservation concern. Disease, pollution, vessel activity and the extremely small population add further risk.

Are Māui dolphins and Hector's dolphins the same animal?

Māui dolphins are the North Island subspecies of Hector's dolphin, while the more numerous Hector's subspecies is centered around the South Island. Genetic and geographic differences support their treatment as separate subspecies.

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